Mind Control

I have 20 weeks before my half marathon.

Freak out is happening, I assure you.

I've not done a lot of walking, running, aerobic workouts, weight training . . . but I have done a lot of sitting on my butt worrying. That's not as conducive to a good workout as you'd imagine.

Mind over matter. It's really not that hard to understand. But it's so hard to put into practice. 

I've come up with yet another workout plan. But I need to stick to it this time, seeing as my deadline is really catching up to me. 

George S. Patton, US Army General, 1912 Olympian

Here's to workout out. Here's to a healthier body, mind, and spirit. Here's to more energy and less sleepless nights. Here's to enjoying life and not letting it pass by. Here's to loving myself.

Go, fight, win. 

Cheers!
LC

It's Working

Juicing is going well, I should say. I did four days totally on top of things -- one solid meal, the rest juiced. And then my weekend came. And I couldn't find the time to juice (I clocked it tonight and it took about 30 minutes for two juices [about 15 minutes each], minus the time I spent the day before sorting the veggies and fruits [which worked out pretty well for me; I picked up too many dollar store clothes washing bags and decided they'd work well for sorting meals]); I wasn't in the house the entire day; I was meeting friends and going out to dinner . . .

Excuses, excuses, EXCUSES!

This week will be hard because my produce is almost gone . . . but I don't get paid until Friday. So we'll have some super interesting meals for the upcoming week.

But it's working.

And I should work harder in order for it to work better.

I went for a walk three days in a row. I helped my sister haul her massive couch and chair and ottoman to the dump. I went on an adventure to Deception Pass and walked around a bunch. I kept busy and I'm so glad of it.

There was a roll on my back which has showed up in the last few weeks. And now it is missing. Also, my shirts are fitting better and my pants aren't so tight in the thighs.

It's working.

I've got to work harder.

I'm looking into getting and Elliptical. There's a deal on Groupon for $350 instead of $999. I just can't seem to find out which elliptical is actually on sale -- there's no product number. And, of course, I need to get rid of my treadmill. There's no point in having a treadmill if no one is running on it and I would like to invest my money elsewhere, if you know what I mean. Now I just have to get pictures and put it on Craigslist.

I have to keep my motivation up -- I've got about 17 days before I'm Eastern Bound. Florida is right in my sights! I'm hoping to feel a bit better in my swimsuit then I have in a long while. When I went to Las Vegas in May I was about 200 lbs. Right now, I'm back up at 220 lbs. I know it's unrealistic to think I could lose 20 lbs in two weeks healthfully. But I'll feel so much better, spiritually, if I stick to my juice.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Cheers!
LC

Mirror, Mirror

Have you ever thought your silhouette looks just fine when you're in your underwear and bra, right after getting out of the shower? No lines, no muffin-top, no judging. And then you put those jeans on and you're like, "Whaaaa?! Mirror you are full of lies!" There's nothing you can do though because who has a Mall in their closet?

I've been thinking every woman deserves a good set of underwear. Something just skanky enough to make her feel sexy but smart enough to be worn daily. And you can get unders that actually fit. Go to a bra store and get sized. Buy a $40 (or even $100!!) bra, just this once. You'll not regret it. I'm not talking about Victoria's Secret (for a plus size girl, there is absolutely no support at VS) or something similar. Go to an outlet store like Maidenform or a higher-end store like Nordstroms. Get fitted. Get a bra. Usually there's panties to match (I've preferred hipsters in the past but these days I'm really liking how boyshorts are looking on my derriere . . . not that you need to know these things . . .).

The point being -- you look good naked. Not to be a perv but too bad someone invented clothing. Yes, clothing can be pretty. It can be lovely, just like art. You know what else is pretty?

You.

Me.

Everyone.

The human form is pretty epicly amazing, even without clothing. Clothing is a decoration and when it's taken away you have a beautiful person left over. 

Just something to think about . . . 

Cheers!
LC

Day 3

So today is my third day of juicing and eating. I've had juice for two meals and two snacks combined with a hearty third meal. 

So far, so good.

So good, in fact that when I woke up this evening the first thing to pop into my head was, "I surely would love to go for a walk."

I woke up wanting to go for a walk.

I woke up wanting to go for a walk.

I have had zero energy for the last few months. You know, that pesky time called winter? Yeah. Zilch when it comes to wanting to do anything. 

So to wake up and think it's a great day for a walk (even though it was 5:30PM and the sun was long-since gone) is an amazing feat.

Thanks juice!

I've been following-ish the free juicing recipes and guidelines from the Reboot with Joe website. I'm using the juices found in his 5-day plan. My favorites so far are Sporty Spice (minus the basil), Carrot Apple Lemon, and Carrot Apple Ginger.

I've learned that I'm not a fan of basil in my juice, I enjoy ginger immensely, and you can massage kale (it makes it taste sweeter!). 

This new juicer is doing well, too. The pulp is a lot drier than the first juicer I had and I'm much happier. Prepping is still taking forever, though.

And don't get me started on the price. 

Well, since you brought it up, my roommate and I spend about $200 on juice for one week. One week!!

Needless to say, that can't happen again. I'm completely broke and there's no money until I get paid again on the 24th. Yikes!

Thanks to Sonnet (she's lovely and a Seattlite! Go read her blog and be awed!) and her recommendations, I've found a CSA farm where I think I will patronage. The Klesick Family Farm is near enough to me that I can go pick up my produce and their prices are fair enough that I won't feel stupid again. They've also got a juicing program with their different assortment of boxes. I can pick one up a week and be set every week. I've also learned there's an organic farm where they raise lamb, beef, chicken, and pork! Ninety Farms is going to be my next stop when I can finally afford to eat meat again. 

I love it when things start to fall into place . . . 

Cheers!
LC

Seasonal, Local, and Organic

For those of you who are looking to buy local, seasonal, and organic -- I know it's a challenge but it can be done!

I haven't reached that point in time where I can say, "Why, yes, I do buy all my groceries seasonally, locally, and organically. Aren't I amazing?" I'm working on it, slowly yet surely. I'm sure it will be much easier here in the PNW once summer comes back. But in the meantime . . . here's one website to help you find what's seasonal in your state, if you live in the US.

It's a pretty cool interactive map which tells you what's seasonal. Plus it looks lovely, too! Makes it a bit easier to find local foods, if you ask me. Try and incorporate some local veg/fruit in your weekly meals. :)

If you're living in Washington, you can find a CSA near you using this website. Type in your zip code, tell it how far away you're willing to drive and BAM! Farm fresh foods at a reasonable price (some CSA farms even have boxes specifically for juicing!). And maybe, they might deliver right to your door!

It's very exciting and it's very interesting. I'm super excited to start shopping farmers markets and signing up for CSA boxes!

I'll keep you posted, I'm sure. 

Cheers!
LC

What's the Point

I was reading a blog today and stumbled upon something I'd like to share: 

"Food is a form of love, comfort, and of course, pleasure. After all, if we're not enjoying what we're eating, then what's the point?"

Oh! Well said, well said! Thanks, Sonnet, for your wonderful words. It's easy to stop at McDonalds or Burger King or any number of those over-priced, one-and-done fast food joints. Is it a pleasurable experience? Never. The restaurant is too loud, the drive-thru is too impersonal, and the food? It doesn't excite our taste buds. We think it does, because we're "starving" because we haven't had anything to eat for a couple of hours. Or we'll maw down a sandwich, fries, and a drink before our stomach says, "whoa there, Sparky! We were full a half a sandwich and 20 fries ago!" Then we feel bloated and cranky. Sometimes we dive right into the food-coma domain. Either way, not a pleasurable experience in my book.

My mother used to say, "can you survive another 15 minutes until you get home?" (home is always a 15 minute drive way, it seems!) Usually the answer is yes and that lets your stomach settle for a few minutes. I need to remind myself of this mantra more often. 

Moral of the story -- If it isn't pleasurable, don't put it in your mouth. . . and don't take that in a dirty way, you perv!

Cheers!
LC

2013 -- Year in Review

In January, I rung in the New Year in Las Vegas. I visited Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and the Hoover Dam.

In March, I traveled back to Las Vegas for my friend's "traditional Las Vegas" wedding. She was married by Elvis. We missed our flight home and ended up driving back to Washington because it was cheaper than purchasing new plane tickets. March was also when my mom moved out on my dad and took my little sister, M, with her.

In April, I turned 26 and renewed my ID in under 10 minutes at the DMV. That same day, I went to the Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon, WA -- absolutely gorgeous if you have the time and opportunity! For my little sister's birthday, I took her to see Swan Lake at McCaw Hall. I highly recommend seeing this ballet! It's breathtaking and so beautiful! The music is thrilling and chilling. I also drove to Idaho to visit my sister for our birthday. We went to Craters of the Moon. I drove back through Montana and by the time I reached the Passes in Washington, there was snow! I didn't have chains or anything so I had to book a hotel for the night. The only room left was a smoking room -- I didn't realize hotels still had this option in Washington anymore. Never again will I stay in a smoking hotel!

In May, I went back to Las Vegas. This time, I went with my roomie, LB, and one of her good friends, SP. We all had some sort of affliction while on vacation -- I had food poisioning from a place in Seattle the night before I left; LB had an ear infection; SP had strep throat. Good times. We also stayed in Luxor which has the craziest, scariest, dumbest elevators ever. This also cullminated in my third viewing of Thunder from Down Under. I'm not ashamed at all. That's one of the best shows on The Strip! I also recommend Tournament of Kings. Pyrotechnics and horses and sword fights, oh my!

I also went to another wedding in May. This one was in Los Angeles for one of my high school friends. She married a Canadian. Hm. I guess people really do change!

In June I graduated from community college. This was a huge deal since I'd been attending straight out of high school in 2005. Finally, finally I had earned my AA degree. I also started my adventures with Events and Adventures -- It's a singles club for anyone over 21.

In July, I was able to celebrate Independence day with my good friend NMS and her beautiful baby girl. There was a BBQ, fireworks, and good clean fun! I haven't had a great 4th in a long while and this recharged me and put me back into the holiday spirit.

At the end of July I went to Idaho and helped my sister pack up her belongings, family, and Durango. They moved back to WA the first week of August and stayed with family here in the PNW until New Years Day.

I was constantly busy in August and September. I was fishing by morning (thanks Uncle RS and my cousin AS!) and gardening by afternoon! I grew a garden and had a great harvest of tomatoes, cucumbers, sunflowers, strawberries, and zucchini. I also tried my hand at other squashes (which didn't turn out as well as the zucchini and strawberries).

In October, I visited my uncle RP in Napa (absolutely gorgeous and I could totally see myself living here!). We traveled around San Francisco but not too much because BART, the public transpiration, went on strike while we were there! I also went to Alcatraz Island and met an inmate who actually served time in the prison. We celebrated my niece's first birthday near the end of the month. For Halloween, we had some baby friends and mommy friends over -- my sister announced she was pregnant again (I'm hoping for a little nephew!).

November was the month I became somewhat free. I moved in with my current roommate, LB, and we're having a great time! To celebrate, we had a Hawaiian Dinner night at the apartment. Nommers were had by all! I also enjoyed three great Turkey Dinners at three great places. Friends and family are amazing! This was suppose to be the month my parent's finalized their divorce. To my current knowledge, they are still together. This may or may not be a good thing. I did not spend Thanksgiving with my father this year.

We had an almost white Christmas. I was able to get a picture of my tree with snow in the background. I was lucky and it snowed when I was off work. I really hate driving in the snow here because it generally turns to slush and then freezes and creates a huge mess. I did not spend anytime whatsoever with my father -- no text messages, phone calls, or visits. We also had a Christmas party with KA. A few days later, my roommate, sister K, and one of LB's friends went to Chippendales. In my opinion, not as great as Thunder. But it was more exciting because there were fights breaking out left and right! Never mix horny women, alcohol, half-naked men, and horrible seating arrangements.

My uncle also married his partner on the 29th. I did their pictures and I'm pleased with the results, even if it was a last minute wedding. They're wanting to do a reception in the summer next year and have all of their friends and family there to celebrate.

This year was awesome. I'm glad I kept myself so busy but 2014 is going to be about staying close to home and getting to know myself better. It's about recharging and refocusing. Don't get me wrong -- 2013 was epic, even by my standards! But 2014 is about rebooting myself and figuring out just who, exactly, I really am.

What a wonderful and blessed life I have!

Cheers!
LC

New Years

Dear me. It looks like I have forgotten to create a list of things I'm planning on not accomplishing in the new year . . . 

Isn't that just the way though? We make plans, we say "this is my year!" and then we don't do a damned thing about it. 

But this year really is different.

And I really can feel it.

For one thing, I'm not living with my parents. For another, I've had a taste of traveling and adventuring in the past two years which hasn't been satiated yet. 

For another, I've signed up and paid for my half-marathon in Yellowstone. 

I've talked myself up but the rough truth is I've yet to start training for that event. I've bought plane tickets and booked my hotel, but I haven't even started training. 

Yikes.

Resolutions, indeed!

This year really is my year. I've put a bug in my roommate's ear -- she thinks we really should try juice fasting for about 10 days. She walked in on me watching Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead this morning. She watched as Siong Norte started and finished her fast. Siong suffered from severe headaches and/or migraines. So does my roomie. 

LB even said we should get t-shirts, like the one Joe got for Phil, that are too small and we should take them with us everywhere we go to remind us what we're working for.

Except I can't find them anywhere.

I guess a trip to Australia is in order.

Hm . . . 

Right. Let's get back to the subject matter, shall we?

Resolutions. One's I'll actually work hard to accomplish this year: 

1. Be early to work.
2. Walk a mile everyday outside of my workouts.
3. Workout daily (keep Saturday as a rest day).
4. Complete my half marathon within the allowed time frame.
5. Blog at least once a week.
6. Go to Paris for New Years.
7. Participate in a 52 week savings challenge.
8. Go for a month without spending money on anything unnecessary.
9. Do something fun for the 4th of July.
10. Have my last day of work be before 12/23/2014.

Be early to work:

• I've fallen into a really bad habit of just showing up to work. I'm usually three or four minutes late. I'd like to make an extended effort to be on time and even early to work. It's not fair to my co-workers, nor myself, if I am constantly late.

Walk a mile everyday outside of my workouts:

• I had an "aha" moment a few days ago. I don't have to start out running. I know the end goal has been to run a half marathon but I'm too big and too out of shape to be running. I'll start by walking a mile a day. After a week, I'll start walk/jogging. Then I'll jog the whole way. But I will always end my day with a walk around the block.

Workout daily: 

• I'm going to do a 30-minute Jillian Michaels' workout. I've gotten good results in the past and I need to add some extra cardio if I'm just going to stick to walking. Our DVD player is finally working well so I may be able to find some YouTube workouts and watch them in the living room.
• 30 minutes with Jillian
• 1 mile walk
• My workout goal for January is to complete 2 miles without stopping my jog.

Complete my half marathon within the allowed time frame:

• The cutoff time for the race is 4 hours. "Plenty of time for even slowish walkers. That is an 18.5 minute mile" (FAQs). I would love to be able to finish in 3 hours. But, realistically, my goal is to just finish. 

Blog at least once a week:

• I have been naughty. I have gone for days without blogging and, even though my it feels like my audience is just myself, isn't that a good enough reason to write? Plus, it will make me report how much I've been workout out. ;)

Go to Paris for New Years:

• My sister, K, has said she'd like to visit the UK for her 30th birthday (which is in July). Good for her! I doubt I'll have enough money saved between now and then to go with her, but I'll definitely have enough money saved for my New Years adventure. I need to sign up with Contiki ASAP, though, if I want to save my place . . . anyone want to loan me $200 for a reservation?
• As a precursor, though, I need a passport. Yay for paperwork . . . 

Participate in a 52 week savings challenge:

• Since I'm paid every other week, I won't be doing this as a "weekly" thing, per say. I'll allocate a set dollar amount from each paycheck into a seperate savings account. I'll not use this savings account for anything -- even emergencies.
• This challenge is to prove to myself that I really do have self control. 
• Plus, it'll be nice to have some cash saved for 2015 -- which I'll be spending in Thailand.

Go for a month without spending money on anything unnecessary:

• I'm basically going to freeze my assets for a month. No eating out. No clothes shopping. No "girls nights" or "forgotten lunches" at work. I will eat whatever is in the house and only make absolutely necessary purchases. If I'm juicing, that means buying fruits and veggies only. The other thing I would need to purchase is fuel in order to commute to work.
• That month is going to be a long one. But it's going to be so worth it! There's a good amount of excess money I always end up spending on things like eating out and shopping.
• Again, another exercise in self control!

Do something fun for the 4th of July:

• I've already gotten a verbal agreement from my roomie, LB, that we're going to do something fun this year. It'll be on a Friday so I'll have the night off work. The tentative plan is to do a cruise in the water around the Space Needle for the fireworks show. I'll be able to do this through Events and Adventures, since I'm a member.

Have my last day of work be before 12/23/2014:

• Last. Day. Of. Work. For quite a while.
• This way, I'll be able to spend Christmas and Christmas Eve with my family. I won't have to worry about work and I'll be able to focus on packing for my Paris trip. And when I come back from Europe, I'll be able to focus my packing and planning towards my Thailand trip. I plan to start my TEFL/TESOL certification in February. 
• After a month, I'll have my certification and be able to find a contract. I hope to stay in Thailand for one year, if not longer. 

Good goals, yes?

I thought so, too.

Cheers!
LC