Happy New Yeearrruuh!!!

LOL!!  I haven't been here since the start of the holiday season.  I fell off of 2 wagons, but I picked myself back up before 2012 ended and got back on my game.  I've been tracking points and tomorrow I will go and weigh - in (*wail, sigh and wail some more*).

I hope that everyone is having a great start to their new year.  I'm claiming victory in a lot of things in 2013...starting with the chub.  LOL

Happy New Year!!!

FMM: Uniquely You

Happy Monday!!  I can NOT believe it is October 1st.  WHERE IS THIS YEAR GOING????  I swear time is just running away.  LOL  Well, I woke up late and a tad behind on my daily game.  What's new?  LOL  So, while I get my first cup of coffee in me, before the gym....I shall get the Friend Making Monday down!!

Have a fabulous day!!

8 Weeks Until Turkey Day

On Thursday in my WW meeting, we discussed it being 8 Weeks until Thanksgiving and trying to make goals before the holidays kick in.  I thought I would write them here to keep myself accountable.  Sometimes we need to write down/blog/etc.  just to keep ourselves focused.

Here they are......

1.  I want to eat well.  There will be times where I will botch up, but my main focus is to eat lots of leafy greens, beans, lean proteins, etc.  
2. Track.  Tracking is the main thing with WW.  Tracking and staying within my points. Track, Track, Track.
3. Try and go to the gym 5 to 6 days a week.  If a couple of those days I go twice a day...BAM!  I really would like to even get in 4 days of Bikram. (I really love it!!) Plus there are some poses that I would really like to get a "grip" so to speak on...LOL!  Also....I'm using the yoga as weight training...why?  Cause i just resent weights.  I don't know why...I'm working on that issue.
4. My goal for the summer was to run a mile.  Okay, summer is officially over...I think...and I am still hunting/dying to get this mile in.  LOL  So, if I could get close to a mile I would love that.
5. I also plan to give away clothes that are too big.  Lately every time I put on a 2XL tshirt, I realize how many inches I've lost.  My clothes look like I'm swimming in them.
6. Buy a heart rate monitor.  Honestly I used the heart rate monitor money from last month on some Sugarpill Eyeshadow and a couple of palettes from BH Cosmetics.  *snicker*  The deal sealer was an episode of Extreme Makeover: Weightloss Edition.  I can't remember the name of the lady...antyway Chris and his wife showed this woman how much you can slack when you don't work up to the appropriate heart rate.
7. Drink more water.  You would think that I drink enough with Bikram, personally...I don't think I drink enough.  I would like a good 100oz. a day.
8. Get closer to a size 12.  Honestly, if was comfortably in the next size...I would do a jig of joy.
9. Maybe get closer to a plant life diet.
10. Not beat myself up if I don't conquer these goals.  LOL

Okay...this is done and I'm going to bed.  Many things to do!!!

....................peace and blessings...................................

My Namaste has been broken..

Bwaaaah!!  Seriously though..it has.  Today was my 3rd day this week of Bikram.  I missed out yesterday due to oversleeping.  My Tuesday was WRETCHED and busy.  I went to yoga, then a voice lesson, then to practice for another rehearsal...then my church gig rehearsal.  I was waaaaaasted, so Namastein' yesterday was out of the plan.  LOL

Antywho, I did Bikram this morning, weighed in (down 5.2 pounds...i shook the beans.) and I did some running around.  I was fine until I got another unwanted call from Sears Delivery service.  (That's for the end of this post.)  Besides that, lemme discuss Bikram.

I'm in love with Bikram.  Seriously in LOVE with Bikram.  I've been practicing at Bikram Yoga Harlem.  I love the studio, the teachers and the environment.  It has been a great experience.  It is a real nice change from my spinning and couch to 5k.  Every time I practice, I feel like I'm stretching my mind and my body to a new place.  Plus, it is helping me a lot with my singing...and that's always a bonus.

What about the heat?  That's been the question I keep getting.  Yes, it is really hot in the room.  It is really 100 degrees with humidity going on.  Gangsta...for the body. I hate to tell you how much I love heat. LOVE HEAT.  I'm a beach person and I can lay out in the sun for hours without dipping in the water.  The heat in class is not a problem.  I love it and I really have to try hard not to close my eyes in savasana....even between all of the poses.  If I lay flat and feel that heat come across my body...sleep calls.  LOL

So....if you are up for a new physical challenge, try it.  I was scared to death my first day, but I've been jumping in hard as my body will allow each class afterwards.

Now....what broke my Namaste...Sears Delivery and Customer Service.  I purchased a new fridge and stove for an apartment that I'm working on in my house.  Well, when the delivery guys got there this past Monday, they "said" that it wouldn't fit through the hall.  Fine. Just Fine.  I spoke with 2 people to cancel the order and refund my money.  Tuesday, Wednesday and Today...I have received calls about a re-delivery and told them to cancel the delivery.  Um....do you not read your computer notes?  Obviously not.  So tonight as I'm sitting at my mom's counter chillin'....I get another call about the delivery.  I don't know what hit me...but I went straight gangster.  What really sent me over the EDGE...when I asked to speak to a supervisor and dude wouldn't connect me.  *sigh*  I will say that I was given his number every day that I called to cancel the delivery.  *side eye*  Needless to say, I will be writing a letter to the president...even though I have totally blasted Sears on twitter today. *double sigh*

Okay...I'm off to do some singing bidness...LOL

...................peace and blessings...and NAMASTE......

Haaaaaaaappy Monday!!!

Happy Monday!!!!  I'm feeling really snazzy today.  I hit the gym this morning, first time in 4 days. *twirl* Did some light work on the elliptical and I feel like gold.  *weee*  I plan on hitting Bikram tonight after a rehearsal.  I missed working out. *sigh*  And yes, the mat is down in the tub.

While I'm prepping a few meals, I thought I would take a break and get in the Friend Making Monday questions....Fall Favorites!

Have a fabulous day all!!!

Day Two...Feeling Better

Today...I've been frumping around.  I didn't sleep well last night because my leg was KILLING me.  Needless to say I was not happy, but also grateful that I freelance because I would have been a horror at a 9-5 job.

While sitting here frumping and going through tons of gluten-free recipes, my leg started feeling better.  Actually, while I'm here typing I am feeling a tons better.  YAY!!  Hopefully Bikram will be on my Saturday to do list!!

Not more to post.  I've eaten well for the past two days...tons of veggies, light on the legumes.  Going to make lunch for tomorrow so I won't be ready to hit people after yoga.

.....peace and blessings........

the calm before the neurotic storm...

*wave*  Today...was so crazy in so many different ways.  One, I woke up with the worst pain in my leg. *sigh*  I have been waiting for the storm after the calm all week.  Monday, in between spinning, rehearsals and Bikram...I ran to take a shower and slipped in the tub.  I fell back first and my calf muscle banged into the side of the tub.  I was okay Monday, Tuesday and yesterday during Bikram on the  second to last sit up I felt my leg saying..."no more."  Grrr.

About 2 this morning, I couldn't sleep on my left side.  *sigh*  It didn't get better until about 6 and I slept like a rock until 8.  The plan was to go to a 10AM Bikram class and sweat out before weigh in.  Didn't happen.  My leg said..."Boo try it and you will be in a mess."  LOL  I stayed at home and moped.  Moped, Facebooked and watched Bones on Netflix.  Gaah!!

Weigh in...Grr....  I've been trying to do a low meat diet and eating more legumes and tons of veggies.  I gained 4 pounds this week.  Boo! Just Boo!! Needless to say, I wanted to cry.  I've been double dutyin' in the gym...working really hard and doing right.  Then this mess...Gaah!!!  Thass okay, I'm pressing on.

Bikram...  Yesterday, I took my second class and I think I fell in great like with it. Not love yet.  I sweated from beginning to end.  It was hot as all HADES, but when it was done, i felt good.  Really good.  Also, I brought some coconut water and GUZZLED it after class.  I didn't have that strange eye twitch and...did I say how GREAT i felt when it was over?  LOL

Okay...well, it is time for me to put up tomorrow's dinner...curried lentils (yea, i'll learn) and watching me another episode of Bones.  LOL

...............peace and blessings...................

I'm still alive...

I decided to get a quick post about last night before I head off to the gym.  So...Bikram Yoga.  Lesssee....I have to admit, I loved it.  My mom was so concerned for me doing this.  Oh your weight (there was a woman larger than me in the class.), oh yoga in 100 degree room (it wasn't that painful.), it just sounds unhealthy.

Well, lets start with the heat.  Yes it is hot as hell up in that room, but I'm learning to love sweating.  Sweating releases toxins.  Release, release.  I took all of my friend's advice and I survived the heat.  

What I couldn't get together and maybe it was my nerves...spend your day drinking water.  Seriously.  That's my EPIC.FAIL.  Normally on a good day I drink about 100oz. of water.  (Thank you Brita water filter water bottle.) Yesterday, couldn't get it together.  I made it through class, but started feeling strange/mild headache when the class was over.  I texted the Bikram crew and they said I was dehydrated.  When I got in, 40 oz. went down the hatch.  I hopped in the shower and called it a day.

Now...how do I feel right NOW.  I know I have muscles all over my body, but it is a good feeling.  Well, for me it is.  I can't believe how grateful that I allowed myself to stretch out.  I can't tell you all how long I've been dying to take classes.  I'm SO excited that the first day has happened.  Now, I'm planning out my life around it. Bwaah.

If you are in the NYC area Bikram Yoga Harlem has a new student special... 30 days for $30.  

.....peace and blessings.......

Monday, Schmonday.....

*sigh*   Last week was a hard week.  I probably needed to blog because I now feel like I was on a slippery slope down to bad habits.  Between the gummy bears and Chex Mix Cheddar, I've been out of control.  Well out of control in comparison to being in control for the past 9 weeks.  When you have been as focused as I have...what I've done this past week is out of control. *sigh*  It happens and now my mind is back in the game.

I also didn't weigh in last Thursday.  That's also bad.  It's okay, I got on the scale this morning and now my mind is back.  I've eaten breakfast and I'm here letting it digest while catching up on last night's Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.  The show inspires me to keep in the "game".

Last Friday I got a drift of how strong I've gotten.  For my couch to 5K for the first month I was using Skimble's Workout Trainer Beginners Running Program.  The other day I was talking to a friend and she said, "My couch to 5K program doesn't work like yours.  Are you sure you're doing what I'm doing?"  She sent me a link and I realized...no, I wasn't doing the same thing.  LOL

Well, I did the "official" Couch to 5K Day 1.  And you know what....I made it.  LOL  I made it through the 90 second walks and 60 second runs...8 runs.  *whew*  I also made it through the day without a nap and 2 hours of practicing.  *twirl*  Getting stronger makes me really happy....even when I bomb food wise.

The goal for this week is to track, track, track my food and my exercise.  Whoever lied and said this was easy....did just that L.I.E.D. *eye roll*

As with every Monday....Friend Making Monday: Inappropriate Questions...Lessgo!!!

In the Kitchen....

So the plan was to do better about blogging this week.  Didn't happen.  Grr!!!  There is a lot of stuff poppin' musically and I'm grateful, but I feel like I'm neglecting my blog. *sigh*

Last week was good weight wise.  I lost another 3.8 pounds.  YaY me!!  I feel more focused with each day.  I've even been very religiously working on the Couch to 5K program.  Additional weight loss has helped there as well.  And...my favorite accomplishment of last week is tackling the damn Cybex machine.  I don't know if I've blogged about my hate of that machine.  I've made it through a few episodes with it...and survived and a ton of sweat on da FLOOR.  *Amen*  LOL

Well as with every Monday...I have to do All the Weigh's Friend Making Monday Meme.  I just LOVE this thing weekly.

Well...LEEESSSGOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

A little won't hurt...

Well, I'm back home...after 2 weeks house sitting for the mom and feeling like I was having a vacation in the city.  LOL  I'm always grateful for that break because I feel like it resets me in different ways.

So, last night I went to a concert with some friends in the park across the street from the moms house.  A friend texts me to confirm that I'm coming because he's making punch.  Punch?  I ask...yes, punch.  And would I be kind enough to bring cups.  Fine.

When I get to the park said friend continually tries to offer me the punch and I say no because at this point liquid calories are not my thing.  Food/chocolate calories...I'll take...drinking, no thanks.  So, he says...well it is about getting a buzz.  I still said no thanks.

Each day I find new ways of reminding me of how focused I am.  Don't get me wrong...i love a great cocktail, but at this point I don't enjoy the way I feel the next day.  No matter how much water i drink, I feel like crapola the next day in the gym.  It is not worth it and for me I feel it is compromising my progress.

Instead of drinking last night, I listened to some Lalah Hathaway and really enjoyed myself.  I also got up this morning and did day 3 of Couch to 5k...with issues, but did it.  Then I did a 13 incline at 2.8 and sweated for another 10 minutes.  I feel good and I don't feel bad for not joining in on the drinking fun.

I'm growing, I'm growing.

Have a great day all!!!

...................peace and blessings.............

Quiet and Madness...wrapped up in ONE!

Tiffany over me singing!  LOL

A four day hiatus from the blog was SO not the plan.  Ooops.  Man...things have been whirlwindy.  LOL  My mom is out of town and I'm house sitting.  Lemme tell you, running 2 households and 2 sets of pets is no joke...on top of my crazy schedule.

I can say, house sitting for the mom has been a treat.  One, because my mom is surrounded by musicians, I can practice anytime of the day and as long as I want....and I get to doggy sit her ornery and funny dog Tiffany.  Tiffany is a 12 year old Shorkie (Shitzu and Yorkie).  She's old, but feisty and funny.  She keeps me and the mom's cat Socks on our toes.  LOL  Plus, nothing is funnier than me trying to do my CheLean exercises that cause me to be on the floor.  I was doing some chest presses and she came over with her brown eyes and long eyelashes to give me that...what in the HAYLE are you doing look.  Then she laid down and made it difficult to do them.  Bwaahaha.  Oh pets.

In other news...I can't remember if I said I lost those 2 pounds I gained last week.  LOL  There's so much going on I can't remember. Gaaah!!  I feel good and like disciplined.  It is really strange.  Everyday I see myself more focused, more stronger, more determined.  It is a nice feeling.  Makes me happy.  Even if the scale isn't moving, I see myself thinning out.  Like I put some pants on yesterday and this ugly override thing I had on my thighs...gone.  It makes me happy...and even more focused.

Well, I'm getting the side eye from the mom's funny dog.  Yea...she needs a walk.  I hope you all have a great day!!

...........peace and blessings.........................

*singing* What a day this has been.....

Ha....  I'm actually quite amazed that I'm able to type at this moment.  It has been QUITE a day.

Since the mom is out of town, I'm her house sitter...and her car sitter...and her dog sitter...and her cat sitter...gardener... LOL  You get it.  Since I'm the car sitter, I had to do alternate side parking with her car.  I found a space for my car last night. *sigh*

So, this is how my Tuesday flowed....I hit the gym by 8:15 and did 37 minutes on the elliptical.  For some reason, it was difficult and I sweated like I was doing this crap in a sauna.  When I left the gym, I ran by my house to check on my cat.  Talk abut an evil broad cause I didn't spend the night at home.  Then I ran back to the mom's...parked...walked the dog and then ran and met my boy at the gym for round 2.  Yea...45 minutes on the treadmill with a wicked incline. (Go me....)

As I was walking home, I kept contemplating a nap, then I realized...nap wasn't an option.  I got my lunch done...and in my body...then I got ready to hit the road again.

I had to be at church at 3 for the funeral of Harlem's Sylvia's.  Sylvia's name is as famous as Harlem.  And she really had a funeral fit for a queen.  It started at 4 and ended at 7:45PM.  Serious I say...plus, I was in arms reach of former President Bill Clinton.  *swoon*  LOL  It was quite a powerful service.  It is something when everyone says the same thing about you...you were humble, you encouraged everyone, made everyone feel loved and respected....and on and on.  That's speaks so highly of Sylvia's character....how many people can we say that about??

Then I walked home...seriously...when I hit the kitchen this evening...I wanted to pass.out.  PASS.OUT.  But...I hadn't had dinner.  I grabbed that, walked the dog for the night and now I'm in the mom's bed feeling like Nina from Love Jones.  ROFL....

I'm exhausted, but rather impressed.  Usually when I have a day like this, I take a nap.  I made it without a nap...WITHOUT and my brain didn't die.  LOL  I just apologized to the dog in advance cause I know I'm gonna snore.

Okay...I'm done.

.............peace and blessings......

Friend Making Monday....on the run

I'm going to do this quickly...and then I'm going to really blog a post.  Ahh...things have been poppin'...oh life.  LOL  Plus, I need to hit the gym!!!

Here you go...and definitely do it yourself.

Two Points...For real??

i was reading through this week's weekly weight watchers book and in the middle they have an article called "the active life".  now on the second page of this article there is a fancy bubble with the exercise rx....  The first sentence says....

To stay healthy and lower your risk of chronic disease, we encourage you to set a goal of 14 activity PointsPlus a week - an average of just 2 a day.

For those who aren't WW-ites...points are how we work.  It's easy for me and not for others.  I like to cook and eat my own food and I can do that.  Points are even judged for our exercise. It just depends on how intense you workout.

So...I was flipping through the book during yesterday's meeting and I chuckled out loud.  My leader asked what made me laugh and I replied "Fourteen points a week for exercise?"  She looked at me and with her fabulous southern drawl said..."Honey, YOU ignore this."

LOL  Normally on a good week I earn about 104+ points in exercise. Seriously and i try to challenge myself to break the previous weeks number.  I'm competitive with myself.  I make it my goal to get at least 40-55 minutes of cardio done....5 to 6 days a week.  Some days I even double up my duty.  Like Tuesday and Fridays I do Zumba in the evening and Monday and Friday mornings I do Spinning....in addition to the elliptical and the treadmill.  This is not even including my weight training and other types of fumbling/exercising that happens. So...14 points?  LOL

Other than this funny...life has been rather normal.  I did weigh-in...gained 2 lbs. (Haaa...2 the magic number this week.)  I'm not mad.  I had an awful week...the ups and downs of wheat and the lack of exercise (only 41 points. bwaaah!).  I feel good and I'm looking forward to an interesting week coming up.  Looking towards lots of singing, exercising and living a fun life.


......peace and blessings........

Trying to put the brakes on a speeding car....

that's the way i'm feeling right now....like i'm a speeding car going on i-95 at a 100mph. gaah.  i woke up this morning feeling awful...so awful i'm feeling just full of awe.  it's bad.

this past weekend was my church's outing and i had a wonderful time.  i went prepared with my own food...baked chicken, some shrimp, huge salad and tons of fruit.  but there was a liquid enemy there...alcohol.  i kept it under control, but still.  for someone who hasn't had a drink since christmas...it was something.  then yesterday i had some chicken parmesan...yummo...but boo.hoo right now.  lol

i feel blah, sluggish and my stomach is not my friend at the moment.  so right now, i'm nursing water and peppermint tea.  hopefully my stomach will get it together soon cause i want to exercise. *sigh*

okay...i'm going back to translating the newest opera to learn Il Tabarro...i'm sooooooo excited about it.  have a great day all.

...........peace and blessings..........

Pushing through the muck and mire...LOL

I started this last night and I couldn't finish it.  I'm trying to complete it...again because I'm here pushing through my personal muck and mire.  I don't want to go to the gym.  The gym hasn't insulted me or done anything to me...I just don't want to go.  I don't want to do any cardio.  I don't want to do any weights.  Yea, my own muck and mire.

Yes, I did go to the gym yesterday.  It was like pulling teeth.  Normally, I hit the gym about 9 and I'm pumped and excited.  Yesterday not the case.  I realized how late it was when I saw the intro to The View.  Gaah.  I hit the gym, plugged in one of my favorite opera singers and then got my time done.  To be honest, I feel SOOOOOOOO much better, but I don't wanna go.  LOL

Right now I should be tackling through my Couch to 5K walk/run and then my ChaLean Extreme.  Instead I'm here polishing my nails.  Pish.posh.  Since tomorrow is my weigh in day, I'll definitely hit the gym soon.  Plus, I've been so focused and I've been eating clean...

Oh well...I'll get there eventually.  I hope y'all have a fabulous and very productive day.  After I finally hit the gym, there is some Norma (the opera) in my future....

.....peace and blessings.....

If I can keep the faith

Sometimes burdens and afflictions press my soul, oh yes, they do,

But that only makes me more determined to reach my goal

If I can hold out, If I can keep the faith,

In God's own time, my change will come, it will come.

In God's own time, my change will come, it will come. - James Cleveland

That was the lyric to one of the songs we sang today in church this morning.  By now, one would get the vibe that I'm a church going Christian.  That's not what this post is all about.  It is about keeping the faith.

When people start talking about losing weight, others are so damn opinionated and they think this is an easy feat.  "Just eat less and exercise and it will happen."  Granted, that is true, but a lot of time, it is about being determined and keeping the faith.  Losing weight takes patience, focus and a TON of faith.

In my about me section I talked about how I gained a ton of weight in college.  I did and every summer I attempted to lose weight.  As a NYer it is easy to just walk and do all kinds a things that can help you lose weight, but being in KY it didn't work that way.  I lived in a city where you had to drive really to get anywhere or as a student you could go to the gym....where the athletes trained. *eye roll*

As I tackle this journey...watching the scale go down and watching my clothes get bigger and bigger, I was reminded this morning to keep the faith.  Sometimes we don't understand why things don't happen when we think they should happen.  Obviously, because it is not the right time.

I still can't say what possessed me a few weeks ago to get really focused.  Whatever it is, I'm just grateful.  Sooooooo grateful.  And now I'm determined to reach my goal.

.......peace and blessings......

Couch to....Jesus keep me near the cross....

Pepper napping...

Haa!!  Sometimes I tickle myself, but honestly this Couch to 5k thing makes me call Jesus...LOUDLY...all the time.  Today was no different.  I had to get up early cause I was heading to the doctor to check on my blood pressure.   I hit the gym at 7:45AM, call the po-lice cause the world is coming to an end if i'm in the gym before 10am, and started on the beginners week of Couch to 5K.  I can't seem to get off of the first week of this program cause it is taxing and I feel like death every time.  Antywho...I pressed on.  When I got to the 3rd run segment, I heard someone singing "i ain't gonna let nobawdy turn me roun', turn me roun', turn me roun'".  In all honesty, it was what I needed to hear at that moment cause I was about to give this minute the finger and walk.  The slay down...when I look to my left to figure out the voice, there was this big ole white man who look like he was a linebacker for the Jets.  Seriously.


So how was your 4th?  Mine was good and quiet and calm...just what was needed.  I went to BJ's and Target, gymmed with my friend, and did my ChaLean Extreme.  I movied with the mom...Madea's Witness Protection and then headed home to cook.  I ate REALLY well and tracked and felt really good.


Yesterday...well...LOL.  I didn't eat so well.  Well, lemme rephrase that.  I ate too much.  The mom and I went to our weekly meeting (I lost a pound and she lost 1.8), then she said she wanted to go to City Island.  I LOVE seafood so I couldn't turn down that offer.  At the restaurant I ate white bread and a white potato with my lunch.  I haven't had either one in over 5 weeks...and to be quite honest, I've been feeling amazing.  I can't wait until I can shake the white sugar....but I have a reckless sweet tooth so I keep praying.


Anyway, when you are constantly eating smaller meals, when you eat a huge one....you feel the difference.  Lord knows I did and then I panicked.  Haaa!!  I drank so much water when I got in that I was up half the night running to the bathroom.  


Oh well, I'm off to grab a cat nap...and most likely my 14 year old cat, Pepper, will join me.  Besides needing it because I didn't sleep well...but I have plans to go to Zumba at 6.  Originally I was gonna do Cardio Kickboxing...but I ain't feelin' driving downtown it at the moment.  Bwaah...  Cardio is cardio ain't it?


Until later...


....peace and blessings.....

Solid....Solid as a Rock, Rock, Rock....

Haa!  That's the song that got me through Spinning today.  Baaaaaabahy...lemme tell you.  For 30 minutes of the 45 minute class I prayed and sang all of the 80's hits that were being played.  I pushed myself and my body was OVAH me.  No matter how annoyed I am in the heat of the class, when I get done...I feel so much stronger.  When I got home from the gym I pushed through the ChaLean Extreme Burn Circuit 3 and the Ab Burner.  Yea...that Ab Burner....makes me want to say awful un-Christian words.  Gaaaah....grrr....  I survived.  Nothing left to say.  LOL


Well here are the Friend Making Monday Questions from All The Weigh....