Not too much going on. Food wise, well, working on it. Some days are much easier than others. I know what I have to do, so I guess that’s what is most important. I havent GIVEN UP,  I just have better days and “not so great days”. And even then, how bad are they really???? I think sometimes we are all really hard on ourselves, when maybe a slip up every once in a while, just confirms we are human, not machines!!!   My back pain continues, so exercise isnt happening. The weather has been sunny, but still a little chilly. Looking forward to the 50+ degree days consistently, then I can get some flowers planted. Veggies too. Or at least a weekly visit to the farmers market. My organic cucumbers this week were priced outrageously. I cant afford to eat them.  Just finished yoga lesson #3.  It’s getting much more involved. I am loving it, and learning so much, and it helps to remind me to take care of myself first. Did anyone see Heidi Klum and Seal on Oprah last week?  I love Heidi anyway, but what an awesome relationship they have. OK, keeping it short. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!! 

Just a quick note to say, that since I have begun this new way of eating, I have dropped 5 lbs- I am at 192.0 and quite thrilled. I am positive it is the new way, because I ate crap for dinner Tues night after a very hectic day, and on Wed was up 1/2 lb.  It may have sodium, but Wed(yesterday) I got back to basics and the 1/2 lb is gone. Up til Tues I was showing a slow loss in weight, and I’m back on track. Hope to see continued success. I am eating plenty- from all food groups, no counting, some portioning.  I have no idea what the difference is from now back to counting calories, but I’m not going to question it. Re: tag facts-  I won the trip to Jamaica while at Univ. of Okla. The school paper had coupons, 20 a week for 5 weeks. you had to take the coupons to the designated stores and there were drawings each week to put you into the running at the end of 5 weeks. I didnt have a car, so I only turned in maybe 10 a week, not even every week. I won won of the weeks to put me in the drawing. At that point, I KNEW I WAS GOING TO WIN> It was a very solid feeling. I went to the tanning place to build up a tan, 2 weeks b4 I won. And when they called to tell me I won, I was very calm, and said I knew I was going to. Probably not the response they were looking for. Havent had that winning feeling since. The trip was nice- although short( 5 days/4 nights) I would love to go back one day. I had my hair braided( corn-rowed), got a great tan - was in college, so I didnt have a lot of spending money. Pretty cool trip- 

• OK, I dont know a lot of people on blogs either, so either I double( or in Tony’s case, triple tag) I couldnt do it. I figure this is more about sharing than anything, so I’ll give it my best shot.Rules are:(1). Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.  (2). Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.     (3). Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.     (4). Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.           FACTS about MOI!      ~1. I grew up on Nantucket. A small island off the coast of Massachusetts. A very sheltered upbringing, but cool non the less. Approx 2500 residents in the winter. My graduating class had 84 kids.  I played basketball all 4 years of high school, track for 2 years, and field hockey for a year. Good times.     ~2. I went to college at the University of Oklahoma- GO SOONERS!  Big steps to go from lil ole Nantucket to Norman, OK. It was quite an experience-                    ~3. In college, I won a trip to Jamaica- all expenses paid. Really cool place. Climbed a waterfall, snorkeled, ate lots of Jerk Chicken.  Quite an experience.                   ~4. The ex went thru OCS (officer candidate school, 1989) in Quantico, VA, where I got to participate in Jane Wayne Day, and shoot an M16, and a M203( grenade launcher). I hit the target, which was cool. We also ran the obstacle course, ooh rah, and ate MRE’s( not so great)!! ~5. I met my “boyfriend”, “partner”, “my guy” almost 3 years ago, and he is absolutely my soul mate. Not a question in my mind.  I couldnt be happier.  Good things do come to those who wait!!!           ~6. I hate to shop. Now b4 I go any further, I mean go to a store, look for stuff, try it on, only to find it doesnt fit. I do a lot of shopping online, but not for clothes. I love Ebay, and have bought and sold there.  Maybe whn I reach a decent size, I can enjoy shopping as I did many years ago.   ~7. I have always wanted to be self employed. ALWAYS!!!  I see it happening, yet still struggle with the start up. I have a bunch of great idea’s and really feel they all would be successful, but dont know how to get the “product” to the people. I have read a zillion books, and made a bunch of business plans, only for them to collect dust because I dont move forward. I think it’s fear based to some degree, but maybe it’s simple, and I’m just blind to the simplicity. ~People I tagged-http://zeusmeatball.blogspot.com/- Tonyhttp://hectichouse.blogspot.com/- Hollyhttp://robyn479.blogspot.com/- Robynhttp://3fatchicks.com/diet-blogs/rubyjean/- RubyJeanRuby, this actually was a lot of fun!  

I started a book yesterday about journaling. I had bought it a while ago, and when it arrived, stuck it in my book shelf. Yesterday was the day I was to begin this wonderful book. I think I had previously thought that blogging was like journaling, but after reading only a few pages, realized just how wrong I was. Blogging is a social type of writing.  I believe we all put information in our blogs that we are comfortable sharing with others. Anyone who has internet access can read what we write on a daily basis. There may be many who pop in to read, and pop out just as quickly. Then there are the followers- I dont mean that in the traditional sense. What I mean is someone following, or observing others progress.  I still randomly check out others blog’s, but am a follower of about a half dozen daily.  It has become part of my daily routine, and I truly enjoy it.Now, journaling. Maybe there are different types of journaling, but the way I see it is, a safe place where you can express your emotions, explore your thoughts,  and it’s all your private space. I think that we all need a private space. I am anxiously ready to start journaling today. A journal can be a great place to work thru things; a place that you just unload all your thoughts and feelings for the day.  A place where your thoughts can be put into writing, and you are then free to read and reread any time you want. A place you can really learn more about yourself.  I believe we never really complete full thoughts. How many times have we started something, only to be interrupted and we never finished what we originally started. I believe our brain works the same way. I know in any given day, I have hundreds( maybe more) thoughts racing thru me. Most of them have to do with scheduling or activities, and lists are great for those. But what about our emotions. How do we give them the time they deserve? It goes back to our society being about instant this and that. How many of us really take the time to stop and smell the roses? Or stop and deal with a hurried day? Most of us rush thru our days, trying to “get it all done”, and we miss some of the most precious moments of all?? Journaling, to me, is another alternative ,or addition to, holistic therapy.  We all have to slow down and enjoy the journey of life. It can be very fast paced, and if we dont pay attention, we can get swept up in that pace and miss out on a lot. I hope that I have only scratched the surface on a subject I think most of us could benefit from. 

Good morning! Another great day behind me. Scale is keeping it real. I think after this weeks success, I’m going to Maurices, and treat myself to an outfit! I loved Robyn’s red top.  We have a couple of outlet malls, and there is a Maurice’s there. Maybe at outlet prices, I can get 2. I also need to pick up a pair of slip on sandals. I bought a pair of Birkenstock’s last summer that I wore to death. I will try to find another pair of them. Have any of you heard of these sandals you can buy at Bath & Body Works, that help tone your legs?  I’m very intrigued.

FitFlop® Walkstar - Silver Get a workout while you walk! Every step you take in your FitFlops™ improves your core muscle strength, absorbs shock on your feet, knees and back, and strengthens and tones muscles in your feet, legs, buttocks, stomach and back. Half sexy streamlining, half muscle-toning trainer, the FitFlop is the shoe to have this summer. FitFlops load your leg muscles more so you get a workout while you walk. Every step you take while wearing FitFlops helps tone and trim your thighs, calves and glutes via a uniquely built multi-density midsole. In fact, they are engineered to absorb shock, lessen joint strain and recreate the gait of barefoot walking with a powerful new built-in micro-wobbleboard workout-enhancing effect.

 Will probably add more later. Have a GREAT day.

Coming up with a title for my post??  You are all so creative, and I am, well, not so much .  I figure, if I am consciously eating, then “today” should be every day. But that really could get confusing.  It is MY blog though……  lol  My new eating habits are paying off, and I am getting to understand how Tony feels when he see’s the scale going down, daily. AGAIN, I am hesitant to even mention a number, cause I dont want to jink it. I am consistently losing, and that pleases me. I am hoping to continue this downward trend, and if after a week or two, the numbers continue to drop, I will share more. I have thought, if I lost 10 lbs with counting calories, and now I’m losing with this… It just may be switching things up has really confused my metabolism. No matter, cause I dont want to get caught up in the why’s. I am curious by nature, but some things are  going to have to “just be”.The weather is beginning to show promise here in CT. The last few days start out chilly, 30’s, but by afternoon, are closer to the low 50’s. I am excited to start planting flowers. I wandered around the yard the other day, and found a small clump of daffodils almost ready to bloom. Thats all the plantings I could find. Leaves me lots of area’s to make pretty.I on my 3rd week of yoga classes. One of my instructors is great with feedback, and I am “feeling” like I am close to finding my authentic self. I don’t know if any of you ever wonder what you’re here on Earth for, but as I grow wiser( another word for older) I find that what I once wanted, isn’t really at all what I want now. So my journey to find myself has been and continues to  be very fulfilling.  :–)    

I’m not going to keep labeling this with days into or any type of countdown. I have successfully completed my 2 day cleanse, all the while eating healthy raw veggies, and lots of protein. And fruit for treats! I now begin the next stage of this. I had to get back to basics, and am glad for that. I had been trying to eat healthy, but was going for convenience foods. The two cant be done. The convenience food is ladened with sodium, and other useless, possibly harmful, chemicals, that MY body just doesnt need.So yesterday, I began introducing dairy back in slowly. My fat choices were limited, and not really necessary.  I love butter, but will appreciate much more in very small quantities. This whole nouveau routine is to make smart, healthy, balanced choices. I drink in excess of 100 oz of water a day. I just LOVE water. I would have never thought those words would be spoken by me.  I am still convinced that carbs are my nemesis, and with that thought comes proactive choices. I will continue to tweak and modify, til I find the correct combinations that work best for me. I have given up on the idea that there is a plan out there for me. I think any plan will work to a point, but we are all made up differently, and all of us have different activity levels. To that we can add stress levels, and quantity and quality of sleep. I am thrilled to date to have seen a loss in pounds, but will refrain from posting numbers until I know that they are consistent, and not just a temporary loss.I have a renewed attitude, and although life is certainly throwing some obstacles in my path, I CHOOSE to keep moving forward. My health lies in my hands, no one can do it for me. A wise friend said recently, we have little control over most things, our eating habits we CAN control. Thank you for coming by. Your continued support means a lot to me.  

I am thru the first stage, although I will repeat this once a month, til I reach my goals. What are my goals? I have thought long and hard on this one. It seems foolish for me to put down a number, because this is about lifestyle. I want to be thinner and toned;  lean you might say. But I want to feel good. I want my health to show thru in what I do each day. Not dread the exercise, but have movement in my every day. Not to be able to have a glass of wine, but to sip it consciously and know when to stop. So I have a ways to go,  but see this to be attainable. This 2 day prep, has given me new found energy and hope.  Sorry Tony, lol , but I still hope.  I am a very emotional creature by nature, and the hope is what keeps me going. I do agree with you, hope alone aint gonna get it done, but for me, hope is saying it’s all still possible. It keeps me moving forward.  Today starts the next segment of Phase 2- I’m having fun with my new creation.  I will now concentrate on finding balance in all that I eat.  Before I was trying to stay away from certain things, and I believe they too play an important role. Balance. I must find MY balance. I will start by continuing my raw veggies. They taste yummy, and have  great fiber. It took me some time to get all of them washed and cut, and stored in snack bags, but it’s just so easy to have them with you. I cant wait for the warmer weather when my choices are abundant, and things are in season.  My main meals are my new challenge- I am working to create whole food balanced meals. I am keeping it simple for now, and may investigate some cookbooks once I have more of a routine.  I want to explore food choices, and experiment with different flavors.  I want to live and learn.  My yoga teachers training is in week 2.  I think it has helped me re-group and create balance.  I am enjoying it immensely, and feel like I am finally working on the whole package. I had a tough time early on,  as I was focusing on one thing like diet, but neglecting exercise. My yoga classes are teaching me about the whole self, and I am really “feeling” it. I think I have spent a long time “stuck” not knowing or denying what to do with my life. I am seeing opportunities open right in front of me, I am feeling energized, and I am very appreciative for it all. Thank you all for joining me on a journey of a lifetime! 

In case I didnt mention, there are only 2 days in Phase 2.  Today is going actually better than yesterday, as I am spacing out my food better. No hungry periods today. We’ll call it orientation. I have been priming my body for the ultimate health and weight loss. These 2 days are necessary to prep my body, mind, and spirit for what lies ahead. Lots of rest, little exercise for now. One thing at a time. I have to remember this is my new lifestyle, and you cant rush it. I am working harder to be patient. It only adds stress, nothing beneficial.I am free from FiberOne forever- I am thrilled to have started this Nouveau way of looking at things. Funny the strangest things happen, and have you question why, but you know, I think I’m beginning to figure it all out. The journey has been upped a notch, and I’m on for the challenge.Shopping is fun. I am going for a more whole foods approach this time. I visited the health food store, just a small local one, not a chain.  I bought some great produce. The cucumbers taste right from the garden. I dont peel them, just slice them up, and enjoy them. Delicious! Reminds me of my childhood , running out to the garden for cukes, or cherry tomatoes and even green beans off the vine. My snacks are not packaged anymore.  If it doesnt grow from this earth, I’m not eating it for snacks, but it doesnt limit me.  Look at all the fruits and veggies out there, old favorites and new things to try. Mmmmm… 

For this being the first day of PHASE 2, I have an arsenal of knowledge that makes this much easier. I am not the same person I was in January when I first decided to lose weight. I have made many changes, met many people, read many blogs, and with all that comes information. Priceless info, as it seems.  I think the best part of blogging and reading blogs, is that we can really absorb a lot of information, and filter thru to find what works best for us individually. No two of us are the same, and no two of our journey’s alike.  But that is what makes this experience unique. What plan out there has the constant feedback that we get here? I dont know of any, and if there are, I bet they cost a fortune.  We are learning to take responsibility for our choices.  We can make mistakes, and our fellow bloggers are forgiving, we can make great victories, and our fellow bloggers celebrate our success. The funny part is, no one knows each other. We are a large group of strangers forming an alliance with each other, solely out of kindness. Again, where can you find that anywhere else?There have been days in the last 2 1/2 months where I logged on, grumpy or frustrated, only to be cheered up by one of you “fellow bloggers”.  So, today I honor all of you. For your kindness, compassion, opinions, up’s and down’s, and all that you have contributed.  Thank you!